They include Steven Gerrard, 35, Jose Mourinho, 52, and Rio Ferdinand, 36. Lineker will pocket a six-figure salary from the company, plus he will retain his Match of the Day slot and Walkers crisps ads to really cash in.

BT Sport revealed it will air all 351 Champions League and Europa League clashes in 2015/16, with some on freeto-air channel BT Sport Showcase.

The £900m deal is a blow to Sky and ITV, securing the rights for three seasons. Lineker, 54, tweeted: “Thrilled to tell you, I’ll be presenting @Champions League on @btsport next season.”

BT Consumer chief executive John Petter said: “This is a new chapter for European football on TV.”